We asked dentists and now know: These are the four biggest misconceptions about teeth - including incorrect care!
And yet: no need to worry, because the biggest mistakes are at the same time associated with the least effort. At least when it comes to banishing them from everyday life. But you do have to have a little enthusiasm, especially when it comes to proper hygiene. Because:
Dental floss is a MUST.
Even the most savvy brushing enthusiasts often shy away from using it: Dental floss. It is so unpopular that on average only one third of the population uses it, with the dark figures being much higher. Nobody likes to reveal their lack of enthusiasm for the white thread. Yet dental hygiene often hangs by precisely this thread. Because what many people don't know is that 40% of the tooth surface can only be reached by flossing! It's hard to imagine the state your teeth will be in if you don't floss the spaces between them. Unfortunately, the all-time argument that flossing leads to bleeding gums doesn't hold water either. Dr Hannah Selzner, dentist and medical advisor at Swissdent, says: «If you get bleeding gums from flossing, there are only two possible conclusions: You are using it incorrectly. Or, and this is much worse: you already have affected teeth or gums and should use it accordingly much more often!»
That sounds dramatic? It is, but there are also good news: Flossing once a day is enough. But please do it every day.
Bad teeth are not hereditary, but bad routines are.
Well, there are exceptions to which this does not apply, but they are so rare that they are really negligible. Dr Hannah Selzner emphasises this again and again and adds: «There are genetic factors that can have an influence, but this is limited to some diseases. But what you inherit from home is an overall attitude and behaviours towards hygiene.» Many parents tend to treat milk teeth carelessly because they will fall out again anyway. This can sometimes be fatal: On the one hand, bad habits that have crept in can be difficult to break. On the other hand, milk teeth are much more important than we think: It is their job to keep the space for the following teeth free! If you have to tear one, the gap closes and the next tooth grows in crookedly.
Less is better than nothing? That's not true when it comes to brushing your teeth!
We all know that sometimes things have to be done quickly. Then the teeth get too little attention, and time is replaced by force. Unfortunately, this does not lead to the desired result, because: Pressing too hard on the gums will only damage them! It's better to always use mouthwash and rinse well in between!
Aftercare is not just prevention: Goint to the dentist and oral hygiene is essential.
It's a vicious circle that dentists can tell you a thing or two about: If you don't go to the dentist regularly, you're less likely to brush regularly. Dentists and their patients are suffering the effects of this hellish circle, especially now after the Corona pandemic: statistics show that thanks to reduced visits to the dentist, general dental health has deteriorated drastically.
Today, visits are being made dutifully again, but if it's already pinching, it's actually already too late. Better: Avoid unpleasant moments by going for regular check-ups! Professional oral hygiene, carried out annually, is a wonderful form of prophylaxis. Inflammations of the gums and bones can be prevented. Even the annoying tartar, which does not go away when brushing, is removed here and can thus not cause any trouble.
What also speaks in favour of oral hygiene: unlike the unpopular, classic visit to the dentist, it does not hurt. Promised.
Photo: @unsplash
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